Parents who bring their kids to the beach, like Melissa Walker, are used to having to make sure their kids stay safe in the water.
"I always make sure that they stay in arms reach of me," explains Walker, "I always keep my eyes on them."
That's important for lifeguards. Dan Schroeder, a lifeguard at Lake Lansing park, says "we're in charge of a bunch of people at the same time, so we can't just watch your kids."
He says he's seen a lot of parents looking at their phones or reading a magazine while their kids are in the water.
For boating safety, it's important to remain sober. The CDC says up to 70% of water related deaths involve alcohol.
That doesn't just include the person driving the boat, but the passenger too.
That's why people on boats should be wearing a US Coast Guard approved life jacket, according to life guards. Kids should too at all times if they can't swim well.
Floaties aren't the best choice because they might pop or slip off a child's arm.
